Germany’s Christmas markets might be the most famous, but they’re far from the only ones worth visiting. Across Europe, both small towns and big cities have built their own winter traditions — from alpine villages serving local mulled wine to coastal towns offering a Mediterranean twist on holiday cheer, these markets offer a distinctive regional touch that you won’t find at their bigger German counterparts. So if you’re ready to swap the well-known for something equally festive but a bit more unique, here are six Christmas markets worth planning an entire trip around:
Zagreb, Croatia
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Even though it’s been voted “Best Christmas Market in Europe” three times over, Zagreb’s annual event still feels relatively under the mainstream radar. During the month of December, the Croatian capital comes alive with outdoor concerts, event stages, and food stalls, while its tree-lined squares and cobblestone streets glow with lights and music well into the night.
The market spreads across several main squares, parks, and pedestrian streets — Ban Jelačić Square hosts the central market, Zrinjevac Park is lined with craft stalls and food kiosks, and Tomislav Square turns into a large ice skating rink. With so many different areas to explore, you can spend the whole evening wandering between neighborhoods and still feel like there’s more left to see.
Craiova, Romania
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Craiova is a small city in southern Romania, and its annual Christmas market leans into its small-village atmosphere while still packing in plenty to do. The market is divided into different themed zones, and a large Ferris wheel is the focal point in the main square. Visitors can try Romanian specialties like grilled minced-meat rolls or sweet walnut bread. The market also has a packed schedule of entertainment and performances, so in addition to the standard food and shopping stalls, it feels more like a small festival.
Because Craiova isn’t a major stop for international tourism, the market draws mostly locals and visitors from around Romania. The result is a more relaxed, community feel, without the overwhelming crowds you’ll find in larger cities.
Riga, Latvia
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Riga’s Christmas market is a totally unique experience thanks to its historic setting and the way local traditions are still front and center. The market takes place in the city’s medieval Old Town, with wooden stalls selling wool goods, gingerbread, and smoked meats. Folk groups perform live, and you’ll hear Latvian carols rather than the usual soundtrack of ‘Frosty the Snowman.’
With only a few hours of daylight in December, most of the market takes place under lanterns and twinkling string lights, which provide a warm and inviting atmosphere even when the temperature drops below freezing. It’s a mix of history, food, and folklore that gives the market its own unique vibe and makes it well worth the trip north.
Innsbruck, Austria
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Innsbruck is a small city set in the middle of the Austrian Alps, and is easy to reach by train from Munich, Salzburg, or Vienna. Its historic center has a walkable feel with covered walkways and decorated streets that make the entire month of December feel especially cozy. The various Christmas markets are spread across different parts of town, each with its own character — Maria-Theresien Straße features international stalls and intricate light displays, the Market Square event is great for young families, and the Hungerburg market, reached by cable car, adds panoramic views over the city.
Innsbruck combines variety with convenience, making it one of the most rewarding Christmas market destinations in all of Central Europe. Its snowy Alpine backdrop is the finishing touch, giving the whole scene the look and feel of a Christmas movie set.
Valletta, Malta
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Malta’s capital city puts on a Christmas program that feels very different from the snowy traditions further north. The mild weather even in December means you can enjoy the holiday festivities outdoors without bundling up in your winter gear, a rare perk for a European Christmas market. But that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the holiday spirit — the streets of the walled city are strung with lights, choirs perform in public squares, and nativity scenes appear across the city.
You might see more palm trees than evergreen trees, but they will be decorated just the same. For travelers who have already been to the classic German markets, Valletta offers a fun twist on the holiday season in an unexpected, laid-back setting.
Colmar, France
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In France’s Alsace region, the small town of Colmar is known for its cute cottages and charming canals that look straight out of a storybook — and its annual holiday market makes the most of that backdrop. Instead of one central square, Colmar runs six separate markets across the old town, each with its own focus, from children’s activities to craft stalls to local winemakers pouring their best mulled wines of the season.
Beyond the great photos you’re bound to take, what stands out is the emphasis on local producers. Stalls serve local specialties like flammekueche, a thin flatbread with onions and bacon, and bredeles, a popular spiced holiday cookie. Instead of the usual mass-produced souvenirs, you’ll find food and gifts that actually come from the region. It’s definitely a bucket list-worthy Christmas market, and a perfect excuse to put Alsace on your itinerary.
Final Thoughts:
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Across Europe, smaller cities and lesser-known towns put on holiday celebrations just as festive as those in Munich or Nuremberg. So while Germany might have the reputation, branching out to these destinations often means a more authentic, less crowded experience — and that’s exactly what makes them worth the trip.